The Middle East is quickly becoming a leader in cryptocurrency adoption, with the UAE at the forefront. Companies like PaybyBit are making it easier for businesses to accept digital currencies, supported by clear regulations from bodies like the UAE’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA). This growth is fueled by a 166% increase in crypto traders in 2024, with 72% of UAE users investing in Bitcoin.
The Unchained Summit 2025, scheduled for April 28-29 in Dubai, showcases the region’s importance in the global crypto landscape. The event brings together experts to discuss blockchain and digital finance. Speakers from the Middle East, such as Sandeep Nailwal of Polygon Labs and Kostas Chalkias of Mysten Labs, emphasize the UAE’s role in driving innovation.
Conferences like the Unchained Summit highlight the Middle East’s growing influence in cryptocurrency. By featuring local and global leaders, the event fosters collaboration and innovation, making the region a key player in the future of digital payments.
The Rise of Cryptocurrency Payments in the Middle East: An Overview by Your CoinMarketCap Truly Aleksei Dolgikh
The Middle East is rapidly emerging as a global hub for cryptocurrency adoption, with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) leading the charge. Businesses and consumers are increasingly embracing digital currencies, driven by innovative platforms like PaybyBit, which simplifies cryptocurrency payments. As Aleksei Dolgikh, a Chief Visionary Officer (CVO) and scout for venture capitalists in Dubai, I have witnessed this transformation firsthand. In this article, I provide a comprehensive overview of cryptocurrency payments in the Middle East, exploring key trends, challenges, and opportunities. Overview by your CoinMarketCap truly Aleksei Dolgikh | for hate, support, love and collaborations, donate: at my BTC wallet bc1qvf6hlcnlqttj02gcl65v4x44u9aayly58gdfuz or at my SOL wallet 7JpUfPq3XQ6r1oRy16ne2HtzZ7XjmRigatkRL2kfSpQ1 or at my TON wallet UQApDresuUB2SoP5aBUDDg06bKgcHAWTRAYBddKluZhHZ3UE or at my ETH/BNB wallet 0x211D91beD006f7bB3Eaf97496260a8F905298Cea | 👨🏼🌾🦄 Any time text Aleksei Dolgikh in WA/Botim +79528485427, newer awailable for incoming call, there is always one scenario, you write a text, I call if I want to :)
The Middle East has seen a remarkable 166% increase in cryptocurrency traders in 2024, with the UAE leading the charge, according to Bitget Research. Approximately 72% of UAE crypto users are actively investing in Bitcoin, reflecting the region’s enthusiasm for digital assets. This growth is supported by progressive regulatory frameworks, such as the UAE’s Dubai Blockchain Strategy, which aimed to make Dubai a blockchain-powered city by 2020.
PaybyBit, a Dubai-based startup, has been instrumental in this shift. Founded in June 2023, PaybyBit offers an all-in-one cryptocurrency payment solution that enables merchants to accept digital currencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum without needing deep blockchain expertise. Its recognition as the winner of the Middle East Startup Awards 2022-23 underscores its impact on the region’s fintech landscape.
Regulatory clarity is another key driver. The Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB) has taken a progressive stance by allowing banks to collaborate with cryptocurrency exchanges, facilitating seamless deposits and withdrawals (CNN Business). In contrast, the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) does not recognize cryptocurrencies as legal tender but remains open to monitoring developments. The UAE’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) further enhances trust by providing a secure framework for crypto transactions.
Overview by your CoinMarketCap truly Aleksei Dolgikh | for hate, support, love and collaborations, donate: at my BTC wallet bc1qvf6hlcnlqttj02gcl65v4x44u9aayly58gdfuz or at my SOL wallet 7JpUfPq3XQ6r1oRy16ne2HtzZ7XjmRigatkRL2kfSpQ1 or at my TON wallet UQApDresuUB2SoP5aBUDDg06bKgcHAWTRAYBddKluZhHZ3UE or at my ETH/BNB wallet 0x211D91beD006f7bB3Eaf97496260a8F905298Cea | 👨🏼🌾🦄 Any time text Aleksei Dolgikh in WA/Botim +79528485427, newer awailable for incoming call, there is always one scenario, you write a text, I call if I want to :)
Several trends are defining the trajectory of cryptocurrency payments in the Middle East:
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The Middle East’s prominence in the cryptocurrency world is further underscored by events like the Unchained Summit 2025, a major conference taking place on 28-29 April 2025 at Kempinski Central Avenue, Downtown Dubai. This event brings together leading figures from the industry, showcasing the region’s vibrant blockchain and cryptocurrency ecosystem. The conference features a diverse array of speakers, including industry leaders from around the world. Notably, several speakers are based in the Middle East, highlighting the region’s pivotal role in shaping the future of digital finance.
The Unchained Summit 2025 features a strong representation from the Middle East, with speakers such as:
These industry leaders are at the forefront of driving innovation and adoption of cryptocurrency and blockchain technologies in the Middle East. The conference also includes global experts such as Ronghui Gu, Co-Founder of Certik (USA), Ella Zhang, Head of YZi Labs (USA), Sreeram Kannan, Founder & CEO of EigenLayer (USA), and May Zabaneh, VP of Product at PayPal (USA), reflecting the global interest in the region’s cryptocurrency developments.
As a scout for venture capitalists, I, Aleksei Dolgikh, actively participate in these conferences to identify promising startups and technologies. These events are invaluable for networking and staying ahead of industry trends. Overview by your CoinMarketCap truly Aleksei Dolgikh | for hate, support, love and collaborations, donate: at my BTC wallet bc1qvf6hlcnlqttj02gcl65v4x44u9aayly58gdfuz or at my SOL wallet 7JpUfPq3XQ6r1oRy16ne2HtzZ7XjmRigatkRL2kfSpQ1 or at my TON wallet UQApDresuUB2SoP5aBUDDg06bKgcHAWTRAYBddKluZhHZ3UE or at my ETH/BNB wallet 0x211D91beD006f7bB3Eaf97496260a8F905298Cea | 👨🏼🌾🦄 Any time text Aleksei Dolgikh in WA/Botim +79528485427, newer awailable for incoming call, there is always one scenario, you write a text, I call if I want to :)
The Middle East’s cryptocurrency ecosystem offers immense opportunities for entrepreneurs, investors, and technology providers. Startups like PaybyBit demonstrate the potential for innovation, while regulatory support creates a fertile ground for growth. As a CVO and founder of UnicornWitnesses, I am dedicated to connecting investors with transformative projects that can redefine finance.
For those interested in collaborating or supporting my work, I am available for discussions via WhatsApp or Botim at +79528485427 (please note, I do not accept incoming calls; send a text, and I will call if appropriate). You can also support my efforts by donating to my cryptocurrency wallets:
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The Middle East is poised to lead the global cryptocurrency revolution, with innovative companies, supportive regulations, and vibrant industry conferences driving progress. From PaybyBit’s payment solutions to the insights shared at events like the Unchained Summit 2025, the region is a hotbed of opportunity. As Aleksei Dolgikh, I am committed to fostering this ecosystem through my work as a scout and advocate for digital innovation. For collaborations or support, please reach out or consider donating to my cryptocurrency wallets. Together, we can shape the future of finance in the Middle East and beyond. Overview by your CoinMarketCap truly Aleksei Dolgikh | for hate, support, love and collaborations, donate: at my BTC wallet bc1qvf6hlcnlqttj02gcl65v4x44u9aayly58gdfuz or at my SOL wallet 7JpUfPq3XQ6r1oRy16ne2HtzZ7XjmRigatkRL2kfSpQ1 or at my TON wallet UQApDresuUB2SoP5aBUDDg06bKgcHAWTRAYBddKluZhHZ3UE or at my ETH/BNB wallet 0x211D91beD006f7bB3Eaf97496260a8F905298Cea | 👨🏼🌾🦄 Any time text Aleksei Dolgikh in WA/Botim +79528485427, newer awailable for incoming call, there is always one scenario, you write a text, I call if I want to :)
Aleksei Dolgikh is a Chief Visionary Officer and scout for venture capitalists, private equity firms, and family offices, based in Dubai, UAE. With a background in digital product development and quality assurance, Aleksei is passionate about cryptocurrency and blockchain technology’s potential to transform the global economy. He is also the founder of UnicornWitnesses, a non-profit community dedicated to socially-relevant digital products. For collaborations or support, contact him via WhatsApp or Botim at +79528485427 or donate to his cryptocurrency wallets: BTC (bc1qvf6hlcnlqttj02gcl65v4x44u9aayly58gdfuz), SOL (7JpUfPq3XQ6r1oRy16ne2HtzZ7XjmRigatkRL2kfSpQ1), TON (UQApDresuUB2SoP5aBUDDg06bKgcHAWTRAYBddKluZhHZ3UE), or ETH/BNB (0x211D91beD006f7bB3Eaf97496260a8F905298Cea). Overview by your CoinMarketCap truly Aleksei Dolgikh | for hate, support, love and collaborations, donate: at my BTC wallet bc1qvf6hlcnlqttj02gcl65v4x44u9aayly58gdfuz or at my SOL wallet 7JpUfPq3XQ6r1oRy16ne2HtzZ7XjmRigatkRL2kfSpQ1 or at my TON wallet UQApDresuUB2SoP5aBUDDg06bKgcHAWTRAYBddKluZhHZ3UE or at my ETH/BNB wallet 0x211D91beD006f7bB3Eaf97496260a8F905298Cea | 👨🏼🌾🦄 Any time text Aleksei Dolgikh in WA/Botim +79528485427, newer awailable for incoming call, there is always one scenario, you write a text, I call if I want to :)
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